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Introduction: The leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng, commonly known as French oregano, are traditionally used for their action as an anti-asthmatic, expectorant, bronchodilator and antimicrobial, while the bark of Citrus sinensis L. is used as an antiinflammatory, antitussive and expectorant. Objective: To verify specifications for quality control of herbal active ingredients obtained from P. amboinicus and C. sinensis powder. Materials and Methods: In this study, the quality control of ten lots supplied by the laboratories of different municipalities in the province of Villa Clara was carried out, applying tests described in pharmacopoeias BP (2020), UPS (2017) and in the national formulary. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that the loss on drying should not exceed 11%, while the total ashes should not be greater than 20 and 7% and the ashes insoluble in hydrochloric acid should not exceed 8 and 2% for oregano and peel orange, respectively. Thin layer demonstrated the presence of carvacrol in French oregano and quercetin and hesperidin in orange peel. The leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus contain not less than 0.7% carvacrol and the peel of Citrus sinensis contains not less than 0.2% flavonoids; these metabolites provide the pharmacological actions for which both plants are used in Cuban traditional medicine. Conclusions: Both raw materials have adequate quality by complying with the quality specification limits of the tests evaluated in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is not harmful but can affect appearance and quality of life. It occurs due to increased melanin production after cutaneous injury or inflammation. Axillary hyperpigmentation, one of the commonly acquired hypermelanosis, raises concern, and treatment regarding this condition is still evolving. Sweet orange contains several components that can improve pigmentation through tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant mechanisms. The objective was to determine the efficacy of sweet orange peel extract cream on axillary hyperpigmentation. Methods This quasi-experimental study is a pretest-posttest design on 32 subjects with axillary hyperpigmentation. Diagnosis is established through history taking and clinical evaluation. Evaluation of melanin index using Mexameter® MX18 was carried out at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Clinical evaluation improvement made using Physician Global Assessment. Side effects and satisfaction during the study are also recorded. The data is processed using the Friedman test, with p Results There was a statistically significant decrease in melanin index on axillary hyperpigmentation (p Conclusions The use of 0.1% sweet orange peel extract cream can improve axillary postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Pruning is an essential practice that helps control branch growth, optimize fruit size, and enhance fruit tree productivity. This study focused on 'Valencia' orange trees, which had experienced a decline in productivity after being cultivated on reclaimed lands for several years. The aim was to explore the impact of pruning intensity on vegetation growth, fruit yield, productivity, and fruit quality in these orange trees. The study involved 35-year-old 'Valencia' orange trees, which were subjected to four different levels of pruning. The pruning treatments included: T1—no pruning (control group), T2—light pruning (removal of 25% of main branches), T3—moderate pruning (removal of 50% of main branches), and T4—heavy pruning (removal of 75% of main branches). Each season, these pruning measures were consistently carried out on 15 February. The results indicated that the severity of pruning directly influenced vegetative growth parameters, such as shoot length and leaf area. As the pruning intensity increased, so did the growth of the vegetation. However, the overall volume of the tree's canopy decreased compared to the control group. These findings provide insights into the relationship between pruning practices and the growth and productivity of 'Valencia' orange trees. The highest fruit yields were observed when pruning was carried out at a severity level of 75%, followed by 50 and 25%. These pruning treatments had a positive impact on various aspects of fruit quality, including weight, size, firmness, juice content, TSS (°Brix), TSS/acid ratio, and vitamin C content. Additionally, pruning contributed to a greater fruit yield per tree and an overall increase in the yield percentage. In essence, the findings suggest that pruning performed at different severity levels in February effectively promotes vegetation growth and enhances the physical and chemical properties of 'Valencia' orange trees. Notably, it resulted in a nearly 20% rise in fruit yield compared to the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state of Nuevo León is one of the main producers of oranges in Mexico, since it has a planted area of 25 820 ha and an annual production of 339 138 t. The predominant cultivar is the Valencia orange, which is characterized by a late maturation cycle, which favors that production in the region concentrates in a relatively short period (February-April), although it can remain on the tree until June if water is available. For this reason, it is necessary to offer producers other cultivars, which are alternatives both in yield and in their commercialization. The objective of this study was to evaluate and characterize a group of early-maturing orange cultivars considering some parameters that affect fruit quality, such as fresh weight, polar and equatorial diameter, peel thickness, number of seeds, oBrix, juice content and its hardness for postharvest handling. Seven early orange cultivars preserved in the Citrus Germplasm Bank of the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research, established in the General Terán Experimental Field, were used. According to the quality characteristics of the fruit, the early orange cultivars were classified into three different groups: the first group is represented by Marrs which has outstanding characteristics, the second group is composed of Parson Brown, Queen, San Miguel, Pineapple and Hamlin with outstanding and intermediate characteristics and the third group is composed of Temprana which has outstanding and low characteristics. The results obtained suggest that there is a wide variation between early orange materials in the state of Nuevo León, constituting themselves as a viable alternative to diversify production and not depend exclusively on the cultivar Valencia [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agricultural production, it is important to determine where input usage saving can be implemented by taking energy use into consideration and to analyze the greenhouse gas emissions of agricultural activities. This study has been conducted to review orange (Citrus sinensis L.) production in terms of energy balance and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study was carried out during the 2015/2016 production season in Adana, a province in Turkey. Energy balance and GHG emissions have been defined by calculating the inputs and outputs of agricultural nature used in orange production. The findings of the study indicate that the distribution of energy inputs in orange production are 11,880 MJ ha−1 (34.10%) of electricity, 10,079.75 MJ ha−1 (28.93%) of chemical fertilizer energy, 7630 MJ ha−1 (21.90%) of chemical energy, 3052 MJ ha−1 (8.76%) of diesel fuel energy, 1348.91 MJ ha−1 (3.87%) of human labor energy, 378 MJ ha−1 (1.09%) of irrigation water energy, 351.22 MJ ha−1 (1.01%) of machinery energy and 118.80 MJ ha−1 (0.34%) of lime energy. In total, input energy (IE) in orange production has been calculated as 34,838.68 MJ ha−1 and the output energy (OE) has been calculated as 95,000 MJ ha−1. Energy use efficiency (EUE), specific energy (SE), energy productivity (EP) and net energy (NE) have been calculated as 2.73, 0.70 MJ kg−1, 1.44 kg MJ−1 and 60,161.32 MJ ha−1, respectively. The total energy input in the production of oranges was divided into: 47.82% direct, 52.18% indirect, 4.96% from renewable sources and 95.04% from non-renewable sources. The GHG emissions figure for orange production was 3794.26 kg CO2–eq ha−1, with electricity having the greatest share, 1983.96 (52.29%); the GHG ratio was 0.08 kg CO2–eq kg−1. According to the results, the production of orange was considered to be profitable in terms of EUE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pruning is an essential practice that helps control branch growth, optimize fruit size, and enhance fruit tree productivity. This study focused on ‘Valencia’ orange trees, which had experienced a decline in productivity after being cultivated on reclaimed lands for several years. The aim was to explore the impact of pruning intensity on vegetation growth, fruit yield, productivity, and fruit quality in these orange trees. The study involved 35-year-old ‘Valencia’ orange trees, which were subjected to four different levels of pruning. The pruning treatments included: T1—no pruning (control group), T2—light pruning (removal of 25% of main branches), T3—moderate pruning (removal of 50% of main branches), and T4—heavy pruning (removal of 75% of main branches). Each season, these pruning measures were consistently carried out on 15 February. The results indicated that the severity of pruning directly influenced vegetative growth parameters, such as shoot length and leaf area. As the pruning intensity increased, so did the growth of the vegetation. However, the overall volume of the tree’s canopy decreased compared to the control group. These findings provide insights into the relationship between pruning practices and the growth and productivity of ‘Valencia’ orange trees. The highest fruit yields were observed when pruning was carried out at a severity level of 75%, followed by 50 and 25%. These pruning treatments had a positive impact on various aspects of fruit quality, including weight, size, firmness, juice content, TSS (°Brix), TSS/acid ratio, and vitamin C content. Additionally, pruning contributed to a greater fruit yield per tree and an overall increase in the yield percentage. In essence, the findings suggest that pruning performed at different severity levels in February effectively promotes vegetation growth and enhances the physical and chemical properties of ‘Valencia’ orange trees. Notably, it resulted in a nearly 20% rise in fruit yield compared to the control group.

Bioflavonoids such as hesperidin and hesperetin as anticancer and antioxidant agents are widely used in the formulation of many herbal drugs. Recently, promising evidence for the prevention and treatment of COVID 19 using these compounds has been reported. Unfortunately, these compounds are often insoluble in aqueous media and have low stability in gastric acid environment. These factors reduced the bioavailability of related oral dosage forms in digestive system. Reduction of particle size and controlled release delivery system can decline the mentioned problems. In the presented research, extraction of bioflavonoids from Citrus sinensis L. (sweet orange) peels was performed using supercritical carbon dioxide. Experimental central composite design was employed for determination of optimal conditions. Qualification analysis was performed using LC–MS, and hesperidin and hesperetin were identified in herbal extract. Micronization and coating of the flavonoids nanoparticles on sugar spheres have been performed using an inhouse developed supercritical technique. Characterization of coated nanoparticles was done using FESEM and ImageJ software. The in vitro antioxidant activity of coated samples was investigated by ferrous ion chelating activity. According to the extraction results, concentration of ethanol as organic co-solvent has the greatest effect on the extraction yield. Analysis of FESEM images illustrated that nanoparticles of extract components with particle size distribution of 5–100 nm were coated successfully. The solubility and antioxidant activity of nanoparticles in aqueous media have increased significantly compared to original form. This process led to increasing dissolution rate and improving the oral bioavailability of flavonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agricultural production, it is important to determine where input usage saving can be implemented by taking energy use into consideration and to analyze the greenhouse gas emissions of agricultural activities. This study has been conducted to review orange (Citrus sinensis L.) production in terms of energy balance and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study was carried out during the 2015/2016 production season in Adana, a province in Turkey. Energy balance and GHG emissions have been defined by calculating the inputs and outputs of agricultural nature used in orange production. The findings of the study indicate that the distribution of energy inputs in orange production are 11,880 MJ ha−1 (34.10%) of electricity, 10,079.75 MJ ha−1 (28.93%) of chemical fertilizer energy, 7630 MJ ha−1 (21.90%) of chemical energy, 3052 MJ ha−1 (8.76%) of diesel fuel energy, 1348.91 MJ ha−1 (3.87%) of human labor energy, 378 MJ ha−1 (1.09%) of irrigation water energy, 351.22 MJ ha−1 (1.01%) of machinery energy and 118.80 MJ ha−1 (0.34%) of lime energy. In total, input energy (IE) in orange production has been calculated as 34,838.68 MJ ha−1 and the output energy (OE) has been calculated as 95,000 MJ ha−1. Energy use efficiency (EUE), specific energy (SE), energy productivity (EP) and net energy (NE) have been calculated as 2.73, 0.70 MJ kg−1, 1.44 kg MJ−1 and 60,161.32 MJ ha−1, respectively. The total energy input in the production of oranges was divided into: 47.82% direct, 52.18% indirect, 4.96% from renewable sources and 95.04% from non-renewable sources. The GHG emissions figure for orange production was 3794.26 kg CO2–eq ha−1, with electricity having the greatest share, 1983.96 (52.29%); the GHG ratio was 0.08 kg CO2–eq kg−1. According to the results, the production of orange was considered to be profitable in terms of EUE.

The use of synthetic pesticide carries along several disadvantages talking about the preservation of the natural homeostasis of the planet, causing the searching of biopesticide, which one presents advantages as well as biodegradability in minimum possible time, the low toxicity in comparison to synthetic pesticides and their variety of structure, which allows slowing down the appearance of resistance. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect on the larvicidal action when artificially varying the chemical composition of orange oil (Citrus sinensis L.). As results, we found that the analysis of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry showed the presence of terpenoid and sesquiterpenoid compounds in the different samples. The use of electric pulses on samples modified their chemical composition, so that the percentage of limonene went from 72% in the sample that was not subjected to electric treatment to lower percentages, even in sample three the percentage of limonene was <50%. Only three compounds (limonene, linalool and caryophyllene) were found to be common in all samples. Subsequently, the larvicidal action on Drosophila melanogaster larvae was evaluated. Six concentrations of each oil sample were tested (0, 100, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10000 ppm). We found that there was no linear relationship between concentration and lethality. Additionally, in the sample without electrical treatment most of the concentrations tested had lethality higher than 50%, while in sample 7 the results of the lethality were lower than 30%, so that biological tests showed that in samples where the concentration of limonene was lower, the lethality in the larvae decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the toxicity and antimicrobial activity in the face of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus of essential oils of Pimenta dioica Lindl. and Citrus sinensis L. The essential oils (EO) were extracted by hydrodistillation, with chemical characterization by gas chromatography coupled and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Physicochemical parameters were determined according to the Brazilian Pharmacopeia. The toxicity test followed the bioassay with Artemia salina Leach, the EO approved in this assay followed to evaluate its biological properties. The antimicrobial activity followed the methodology described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute using the disc diffusion method, broth dilution for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and subsequent minimum bactericide concentration for to evaluate the action of EO against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Both OE showed low toxicity, and thus were evaluated for the biological antimicrobial properties. Both OE presented bactericidal potential against the microorganisms tested, showing satisfactory results for their action. The results indicate that the evaluated OE are composed of substances that provide and encourage their application due to their potentials for biological molluscicide and antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a produção e composição de laranjas de cv. Pista árvores tardias submetido a adubação de manutenção de potássio. O experimento foi conduzido em um pomar de cv. Lane Late em Rosário do Sul (RS). As laranjeiras foram submetidos a suplementação com 0, 50 ou 100% da dose recomendada de K2O em cada safra de 2008/2009 a 2011/2012. A produção de frutos, diâmetro do fruto, espessura da casca, volume de suco e suco, folha e os níveis de K no solo foram avaliados nas safras 2008/2009, 2010/2011 e 2011/2012. parâmetros de composição da fruta foram avaliados nos 2010/2011 e 2011/2012 safras. A aplicação de doses crescentes de potássio para CV. Pista laranjeiras atrasado para três safras não teve efeito sobre a produção de frutos. No entanto, a suplementação do solo com o potássio aumentou os níveis de nutrientes totais nas folhas e suco.

The effects of traditional pasteurization (low pasteurization, conventional pasteurization, hot filling) and alternative pasteurization (pulsed electric fields, high pressure processing), followed by ultrasonication on the carotenoid content, carotenoid profile, and on the in vitro carotenoid bioaccessibility of orange juice were investigated. There was no significant difference in the total carotenoid content between the untreated juice (879.74 µg/100 g juice) and all pasteurized juices. Significantly lower contents of violaxanthin esters were found in the high thermally-treated juices (conventional pasteurization, hot filling) compared to the untreated juice, owing to heat-induced epoxy-furanoid rearrangement. The additional ultrasonication had almost no effects on the carotenoid content and profile of the orange juices. However, the in vitro solubilization and the micellarization efficiency were strongly increased by ultrasound, the latter by approximately 85.3–159.5%. Therefore, among the applied processing techniques, ultrasonication might be a promising technology to enhance the in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids and, thus, the nutritional value of orange juice.

Bệnh thối khô cuống trái cam soàn là một đối tượng bệnh mới gây ảnh hưởng nghiêm trọng đến năng suất. Mẫu bệnh được thu thập tại Đồng Tháp để quan sát triệu chứng, phân lập và thực hiện quy trình Koch kiểm tra khả năng gây bệnh của 8 dòng nấm. Kết quả xác định được 6/8 dòng phân lập có khả năng xâm nhiễm gây triệu chứng khô cuống trái cam soàn ở điều kiện ngoài vườn và LVg-4 là dòng cho tỷ lệ bệnh cao nhất. Dòng LVg-4 gây bệnh thối cuống trái trên cam soàn ở Đồng Tháp được nhận diện do nấm thuộc loài Colletotrichum gloeosporioides dựa vào đặc tính hình thái và trình tự vùng gen ITS của rRNA. Kết quả này sẽ giúp cho những nghiên cứu tiếp theo về quản lý bệnh khô cuống trái cam soàn ở Đồng Tháp.

Sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] fruit is one of the main citrus fruits, Navel and Valencia group sweet orange being the most representative and recognizable species of this species. The aims of this study were to determine genetic relationships and diversity of 84 Navel and 36 Valencia groups of sweet orange using SSR (simple sequence repeat) molecular markers. Twenty-six SSR primers were tested on these accessions. Seven SSR primers produced thirteen polymorphic fragments, eight SSR primers produced monomorphic fragments, and eleven SSR primers produced no scorable fragments. Thirteen SSR primers produced a total of 29 fragments and 13 of them were polymorphic. The number of average polymorphic fragments per primer was 1.93. The mean polymorphism information content (PIC) and marker index (MI) are 0.16 and 11.74, respectively. The Dice’s similarity coefficient among Navel and Valencia group sweet oranges ranged from 0.42 to 1.00 and matrix correlation (r) was 0.79. In the cluster analysis, Navel group sweet oranges were indicated as a separate group from Valencia group sweet oranges. ‘Antalya (40)’ was most distinct accessions from the others.

Graft combinations of sweet orange cultivars Delta and Lane Late on six rootstocks were established on calcareous clayey soil and evaluated for compatibility, yield, and fruit physicochemical quality attributes at three stages of harvest maturity. Citrumelo proved a deleterious rootstock to both scions, while GouTou was deleterious to Delta and had low compatibility with Lane Late. Most compatible rootstock for Delta was Sour Orange, whereas all rootstocks except GouTou were equally compatible with Lane Late. Yield and fruit weight were highest on Volkameriana. Titratable acidity was highest on Sour Orange and Carrizo and lowest on Volkameriana. Dominant acids were citric (8.5–11.3 g/L), malic (1.8–1.9 g/L) and succinic (1.3–1.4 g/L). Citrate/malate ratio was lower in Lane Late and declined further with maturation. Acids were highest on Sour Orange and Carrizo. Increased levels of malate (2.07–2.21 g/L) elicited by Volkameriana may constitute an index of inferior sensory quality. Soluble solids were highest on Sour Orange, Carrizo and Cleopatra (9.6–10.6%) and lowest on Volkameriana (9.3–9.7%). Sucrose was the most abundant soluble carbohydrate (33.9–39.9 g/L) and sugar ratios were stable across rootstocks, however sucrose concentration in Delta increased with maturity at the expense of glucose and fructose. Increase in chroma paralleled increase in soluble solids during maturation of Delta but not Lane Late. Fruit phenolics were highest with the least compatible GouTou and lowest with the highly productive Volkameriana. Maximal ascorbate levels were attained at mid-maturity (380.4–450.2 mg/L) and were lowest on Volkameriana (323.4–398.8 mg/L). Considering its overall performance and resistance to Citrus Tristeza Virus, Carrizo appears as a promising rootstock alternative to Sour Orange particularly on calcareous soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tarocco “Sant’Alfio” is a late ripening blood orange cultivar. Blood oranges are more and more appreciated from consumers for their high nutraceutical value due to the presence of bioactive compounds including vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids. The aim of this work is to set up a reliable protocol for postharvest storage of the very-late Tarocco “Sant’Alfio” orange to prolong the availability of this product in the market to be used for fresh chilled orange juice production. Fruits were subjected to three storage treatments (20 days at 1 °C plus 50 days at 4 °C; 70 days at 4 °C; 70 days at 20 °C). The results indicate that cold treatments, in particular at 4 °C constantly, can extend Tarocco “Sant’Alfio” shelf life enhancing total anthocyanin content. The defined protocols allow prolonging market availability of a high value product and could induce relevant benefits for the citrus industry and consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dentre os micronutrientes, o Zn e o Mn limitam a produção dos citros, no Brasil. A aplicação foliar tem sido a forma tradicional de fornecimento, contudo, a eficiência desta adubação depende de uma série de fatores, entre eles o tipo de fertilizante. Foram realizados dois experimentos em pomar com laranjeiras Pêra, enxertadas em limão cravo, com sete anos de idade, em Botucatu, SP. No primeiro experimento foram avaliadas três fontes de Mn via foliar: carbonato de manganês A, carbonato de manganês B e sulfato manganoso, em duas doses para cada fertilizante, correspondente a 250 e 500 g ha-1 de Mn, mais o controle, pulverizado somente com água. No segundo experimento foram testadas três fontes de Zn para aplicação foliar: óxido de zinco A, óxido de zinco B e sulfato de zinco, em duas doses para cada fertilizante, correspondente a 375 e 750 g ha-1 de Zn, mais o controle. As amostragens de folhas foram realizadas mensalmente, iniciando aos 30 dias após aplicação dos tratamentos. A aplicação foliar com carbonato de manganês B, na dose de 500 g ha-1 Mn, e com óxido de zinco B, na dose de 750 g ha-1, proporcionaram, respectivamente, níveis nutricionais adequados de Mn e Zn nas folhas de laranjeira. Na ausência de chuvas, os teores adequados de Mn e Zn no solo, não permitem suprir satisfatoriamente as laranjeiras Pêra enxertadas em limoeiro cravo.Among micronutrients, Zn and Mn limit the production of citrus in Brazil. Foliar application has been the traditional form of supply, however the efficiency of this type of fertilization depends on a number of factors, including the type of fertilizer used. Two experiments were conducted in an orchard of seven year old Pêra orange, grafted onto Rangpur lime, in Botucatu, São Paulo. In the first experiment three sources of Mn, applied via foliar application, were evaluated: manganese carbonate A, manganese carbonate B and manganese sulphate, at two rates per fertilizer, corresponding to 250 and and 500g ha-1 of Mn, plus a control sprayed with water only. In the second experiment three sources of Zn were tested for foliar application: zinc oxide A, zinc oxide B and zinc sulphate at two rates per fertilizer, corresponding to 375 and 750g ha-1 of Zn, plus the control. Samples of leaves were collected monthly, beginning 30 days after application of the treatments. The foliar application of manganese carbonate B at a rate of 500g ha-1 Mn, and zinc oxide B at a rate of 750g ha-1, each provided adequate nutritional levels of Mn and Zn in the leaves of the orange. With the absence of rain, the appropriate levels of Mn and Zn in the soil are not enough to supply the Pêra orange grafted onto Rangpur lime.

Objetivou-se, com o trabalho, avaliar dois métodos de estimativa da área foliar, em plantas de laranja "Pêra", pela análise da imagem digital obtida com scanner e câmera fotográfica digital. Para determinar a área das folhas, um grupo de discos foi colocado sobre um leitor de scanner, sendo que a imagem obtida foi armazenada. Os mesmos grupos de discos foram fixados sobre cartolina branca e fotografados com câmera fotográfica digital. As imagens obtidas da câmera fotográfica e do scanner foram processadas utilizando ferramentas de um editor de imagem que permite a contagem de pixels de determinada cor, no caso verde. Para a comparação dos métodos, os discos foram submetidos a integrador óptico de área foliar modelo LICOR-3100, utilizando os mesmos agrupamentos. Foram coletadas 20 folhas (cinco em cada quadrante da planta) por parcela de um experimento para comparação de fertilizantes comerciais e doses de zinco, aplicados via foliar, em plantas de sete anos de idade. O experimento foi composto de sete tratamentos e quatro repetições, num total de 28 parcelas. Os dois métodos apresentaram alta correlação com a área estimada pelo integrador óptico de área, considerado como método de referência. O método da análise da imagem obtida com câmera fotográfica, na resolução de 5.0 megapixel, foi mais precisa quando comparada à área estimada pelo integrador óptico de área.This work had as purpose to evaluate two methods of the estimative of leaf area, in "Pêra" orange plants, by the digital image analysis obtained with scanner and digital camera. To determine the leaf area, one group of discs was placed on a reading scanner and the image obtained was stored. The same groups of discs were fixed over a white paper and photographed with a digital camera. The images obtained from the digital camera and the scanner was processed utilizing an image editor's tool that allows the pixels counting of a specific color, in this case green. To compare these two methods the discs were submitted to an optic integrator of green leaf, LICOR-3100 model, utilizing the same groups. It was collected 20 leaves (five in each square of the plant) for each parcel of one experiment to compare commercial fertilizers and Zn doses, applied by leaves spraying, in seven years old "Pêra" orange plants. The experiment comprehended seven treatments and four replications with a total of 28 parcels. The two methods presented high correlation with the estimated area considering the optic integrator of area the reference method. The analysis of the image obtained from the photographic camera, with 5.0 megapixel of resolution, had more precision when compared with the estimated area by the optic integrator.

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The soil preparation for citrus seedlings planting can affect the longevity, yield, plant health and the quality of the mechanized operations, which must be ??performed to ensure the future crop management. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the quality indexes of soil tillage systems during citrus transplanting, through the performance of the operation and the study of times and movements of the mechanized sets. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Matão - São Paulo, Brazil, in a completely randomized design, with two systems for mechanized soil preparation (conventional and conjugate) to transplant the citrus, with 66 replicates for each treatment. Were evaluated as indicators of quality the wheels slip of the tractor, speed of the mechanized sets, the accuracy of the GPS receiver and a study of time and motion operations, to perform the calculation of the efficiency of the tillage operations of tillage was carried out. All quality indexes for the mechanized sets were unstable, which negatively affects the operations quality. The conjugated tilled system and the liming presented the lowest and the highest speed of the tractor-equipment when compared to others, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fruits is the property of International Society for Horticultural Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction Pregnancy and postpartum are two critical and stressful periods. Despite the joy of motherhood, these periods are sometimes associated with important physiological and pathological changes such as sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality. This study aimed to determine the effect of orange peel essential oil on sleep quality after delivery. Methods This triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 96 postpartum women. Verified samples were assigned to intervention and control groups using randomized blocking. The intervention group received 10 drops of orange peel essential oil and the control group received 10 drops of placebo in a glass of water, three times a day, after each meal for 8 weeks. All participants filled out the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index before and after the intervention. Results There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics sleep quality score before intervention ( p > 0.05). A significant improvement in sleep quality was observed in the group receiving orange peel essential oil compared with the control group at 8 weeks after delivery [adjusted mean difference: 5.0; 95% confidence interval: 3.9 to 6.1; p = 0.001]. Regarding the components of the sleep quality index, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups except for the daytime dysfunction component ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Orange peel essential oil has a positive effect in improving mothers’ sleep quality in the postpartum period. However, further studies are needed on a more general population of women in order to decide on its use as an appropriate medication to use in clinical situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Sooty molds are a lineage of follicolous fungi that cover the upper surface of leaves with black mycelia. Sooty molds do not infect plants, but grow on surfaces where honeydew deposits accumulate. It causes a reduction of incident sunlight by physical obstruction and in some species it interferes with photosynthesis. However, there are no studies proving that light interception by the sooty mold mycelia affects photosynthesis in orange plants. The aim of this study was to experimentally evaluate changes in the interception of sunlight caused by the black coating of sooty mold formed on orange leaves and to investigate its effects on the leaf chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate. To facilitate the measurements, orange leaves with and without sooty mold colonies were selected. On a clear day, the sooty mold mycelia intercepted between 44 and 74 % of the total incident photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). However, even on leaves covered by the sooty mold mycelia, the measured PPFD was sufficient to saturate maximum net photosynthesis rate (A) for much of the day. No differences were found in A or leaf conductance, but there were increases in chlorophyll content and quantum yield in leaves infested by sooty mold, revealing a clear acclimation response. This study is the first to experimentally assess the direct effects of sunlight interception by sooty mold on chlorophyll content and net photosynthesis in orange leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] NIR methods for non-destructive composition analysis of oranges was investigated. [•] NIR with emission head gave best predictions of mass, colour index and vitamin C. [•] Using an integrating sphere gave best prediction of TSS. [•] NIR with emission head can evaluate external and internal characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effect of irrigation rates, nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates, and methods of applying N on growth and productivity of young (3 to 5 years old) and maturing (8 to l0 years old) citrus trees. A long-term study was conducted with the following objectives: 1) to measure the main effects of N rate, N application method, and irrigation on citrus tree growth and production from planting to maturity; 2) to establish growth and production relationships for long-term N rates and irrigation on well-drained sandy Entisols; and 3) to determine the effect of split fertilizer applications at two soil moisture regimes on citrus growth and production for two tree age classes as trees mature. Irrigation was applied using two selected ranges of soil moisture tensions and annual N rate varied by tree age as percentages of recommended. Methods of applying N included a dry granular fertilizer (DGF) containing soluble N applied four times annually or a controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) applied once per year and fertigation applied either four (FG04) or 30 (FG30) times annually. Canopy size and yield were higher with the moderate irrigation rate compared with the low rate for both young and maturing trees. Critical N rates for both canopy volume and yield were between 178 and 200 kg⋅ha-1. The CRF and FG30 treatments produced larger trees and higher yields compared with FG04 and DGF in the young tree study, indicating that younger trees benefitted from frequent split fertilizer applications. As the trees matured and filled their allocated space, the two irrigation rates were continued and N was applied at six rates using either DGF or FG30. For these 8- to 10-year-old trees, critical values of N application rates were 210 and 204 kg⋅ha-1 for DGF and FG30, respectively. The absence of a significant interaction between N rate and application method indicated that N uptake efficiency was similar for all application methods tested. DGF and FG30 treatments resulted in similar maturing tree yields and fruit total soluble solids. Canopy volumes, for the same trees, were significantly greater all 3 years with the FG30 treatment compared with DGF. Thus, if increase in tree size is desired, increased number of split applications will likely promote tree growth; however, little increase in fruit yield may be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water Conserv II is a municipal reclaimed water project operated by the city of Orlando and Orange county, FL. The Water Conserv II project has been supplying high-quality reclaimed water for irrigation of citrus orchards, nurseries, greenhouse operations, golf courses, and residential landscapes in Orange and Lake counties since 1986. Selected commercial citrus orchards in the Water Conserv II service area receiving either groundwater or reclaimed water have been monitored quarterly since the project began. This yearly monitoring was undertaken to determine any adverse long-term effects on citrus tree growth or production associated with irrigation using this reclaimed water. Citrus blocks were rated for horticultural condition quarterly, fruit quality was determined before harvest, and soil and leaf samples were analyzed yearly from 1994 to 2004. Citrus growers irrigating with reclaimed water were encouraged to use higher-than-recommended amounts of water as a means of disposal of this reclaimed water resulting in increased weed growth and dilution of juice solids per box of fruit. Leaf boron and magnesium were significantly higher after irrigation with reclaimed water. Calcium and boron from the reclaimed water have eliminated the need in orchards receiving reclaimed water for liming of the soil and applying annual foliar sprays containing boron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was the identification of genes differentially expressed in blood oranges compared to common oranges and the identification of anthocyanin pathway genes that are up-regulated in flesh of blood oranges. A subtracted complementary DNA library of 1,248 clones was constructed using RNA from the flesh of a nucellar line (58-8D-1) of Moro (a blood orange) as tester and from Cadenera (a common orange) as driver. After screening by reverse Northern, a total of 230 clones were found to be up-regulated in blood orange, while 30 were up-regulated in the common blond one. Sequence analysis identified genes involved in the anthocyanin pathway including genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes like phenylalanine ammonialyase, chalcone synthase, dihydroflavonol-4-reductase, anthocyanidin synthase, UDP:glucose flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase, glutathione S-transferase, and a regulatory gene encoding a basic Helix-Loop-Helix protein, while others were related to primary metabolism, flavor biosynthesis, signal transduction mechanisms, and defense. Some sequences were classified as unknown and unnamed and some others were unclassified. Semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR were used to confirm the differential expression patterns of selected candidate genes of different functional classes. Correlations between the expression of some genes and the processes involved in the ripening of blood oranges were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular basis for the adaptation of fruit tissues to low oxygen treatments remains largely unknown. RT-PCR differential display (DD) was employed to isolate anoxic and/or hypoxic genes whose expression responded to short, low-oxygen regimes. This approach led to the isolation, cloning, successful sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis of 98 transcripts from Citrus flavedo tissues that were differentially expressed in DD gels in response to 0, 0.5, 3, and 21% O2 for 24 h. RNA blot analysis of 25 DD clones revealed that 11 genes were induced under hypoxia and/or anoxia, 11 exhibited constitutive expression and three transcripts were suppressed by low oxygen levels. Almost half of the DD cDNAs were either of unknown function or shared no apparent homology to any expressed sequences in the GenBank/EMBL databases. Six DD genes were similar to molecules of the following functions: C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, plant development, amino acid metabolism, and biosynthesis of brasinosteroids. Time-course and stress-related experiments of low O2-regulated genes indicated that these genes responded differently in terms of their earliness, band intensity, and their specificity to stresses, showing that some of them can be termed hypoxia- or anoxia-induced genes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• The influence of 10 rootstocks on blood orange metabolic profile was assessed. • 24 phenolic compounds were individually identified and quantified. • Anthocyanins and antioxidant activity are greatly affected by the rootstock. • Role exerted by the rootstock on citrus quality was depicted. In fruit crops, tree rootstock plays a relevant role in the tolerance of biotic and abiotic factors, various qualitative traits and biochemical profiles of the juice. In this work, the fruit quality characteristics of sweet orange Tarocco Sciré grafted onto ten rootstocks were evaluated. Analyses were performed on the fruit juice, coupling the quantification of phenolic compounds (anthocyanins, flavanones, flavones and hydroxycinnamic acids) through hyphenated chromatographic techniques and the assessment of antioxidant potential (measured in vitro). The study was conducted for two consecutive years in which the different minimum temperatures recorded during fruit ripening determined a higher accumulation of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins (63.6 %), and higher levels of antioxidant activity (48.92) in the colder year. The analyses allowed the identification and quantification of 24 phenolic compounds (6 anthocyanins, 5 flavanones, 1 flavone and 12 hydroxycinnamic acids). The results highlighted a significant effect of both rootstocks and the environment (and their interaction) on the metabolic profile of the juice, with low temperatures being directly involved in juice pigmentation and significant differences among the rootstocks within each year of analysis. In addition to temperature, a significant effect of rootstocks on the metabolic profile of the juice was revealed, with C35 and Bitters being the most effective in enhancing anthocyanin accumulation in the fruit of the grafted variety. Altogether, the data presented shed light on the significant role exerted by the rootstock on fruit quality, providing useful insights to guide the selection of rootstocks in novel implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging of the skin is a complicated bioprocess that is affected by constant exposure to ultraviolet irradiation. The application of herbal-based anti-aging creams is still the best choice for treatment. In the present study, Citrus sinensis L. fruit peels ethanolic extract (CSPE) was formulated into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) anti-aging cream. Eight different formulations of CSEP-LNPs were prepared and optimized using 23 full factorial designs. In vivo antiaging effect of the best formula was tested in Swiss albino mice where photo-aging was induced by exposure to UV radiation. HPLC-QToF-MS/MS metabolic profiling of CSPE led to the identification of twenty-nine metabolites. CSPE was standardized to a hesperidin content of 15.53 ± 0.152 mg% using RP-HPLC. It was suggested that the optimized formulation (F7) had (245 nm) particle size, (91.065%) EE, and (91.385%) occlusive effect with a spherical and smooth surface. The visible appearance of UV-induced photoaging in mice was significantly improved after topical application on CSPE-NLC cream for 5 weeks, levels of collagen and SOD were significantly increased in CSPE- NLC group, while levels of PGE2, COX2, JNK, MDA, and elastin was reduced. Finally, The prepared anti-aging CSPE-NLC cream represents a safe, convenient, and promising skincare cosmetic product. [Display omitted] • Citrus sinensis L. fruit peels ethanolic extract (CSPE) was formulated into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) anti-aging cream. • HPLC-QToF-MS/MS metabolic profiling of CSPE led to the identification of twenty-nine metabolites. • CSPE was standardized to a hesperidin content of 15.53 ± 0.152 mg% using RP-HPLC. • Application of CSPE-NLC cream for 5 weeks increased the levels of collagen and SOD. • The prepared anti-aging CSPE-NLC cream represents a safe, convenient, and promising skincare product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of traditional pasteurization (low pasteurization, conventional pasteurization, hot filling) and alternative pasteurization (pulsed electric fields, high pressure processing), followed by ultrasonication on the carotenoid content, carotenoid profile, and on the in vitro carotenoid bioaccessibility of orange juice were investigated. There was no significant difference in the total carotenoid content between the untreated juice (879.74 µg/100 g juice) and all pasteurized juices. Significantly lower contents of violaxanthin esters were found in the high thermally-treated juices (conventional pasteurization, hot filling) compared to the untreated juice, owing to heat-induced epoxy-furanoid rearrangement. The additional ultrasonication had almost no effects on the carotenoid content and profile of the orange juices. However, the in vitro solubilization and the micellarization efficiency were strongly increased by ultrasound, the latter by approximately 85.3–159.5%. Therefore, among the applied processing techniques, ultrasonication might be a promising technology to enhance the in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids and, thus, the nutritional value of orange juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 4,009 endophytic fungal isolates were recovered from healthy leaves, bark and xylem of Citrus sinensis in different seasons and age‐classes. Corresponding to those factors, the majorities of fungal isolates were recovered from leaves, 2‐yr‐old trees and winter, respectively. Fungal isolates were initially categorized based on cultural and morphological characters, and representatives of each morphotype were subjected to molecular identifications based on ITS‐rDNA and β‐tubulin sequences. All isolates obtained in this study belonged to the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota assigned to 30 fungal taxa. The most abundant fungal species were Alternaria spp. Species diversity indices of Margalef richness and Shannon–Wiener revealed a high diversity of fungal taxa recovered from leaf and during winter. Frequency (%) of fungal endophytes was highest in winter followed by summer, autumn, and spring significantly, whereas the corresponding sequence was winter, autumn, summer and spring for the diversity of endophytic fungi. Overall, the results of this study based on the community and diversity of endophytic fungal species in C. sinensis showed that the type of plant tissue, season of sampling and age of tree play a driving role on their abundance while their diversity was mainly dependent on the type of plant tissue, season of sampling than on the age of tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]